Accelerating Geo-Mimicry: Development and Performance Evaluation of Zero-Heat Cured Geopolymer Concrete with Enhanced Sequestration for Cold Climate Applications

The construction industry is one of the world's largest contributors to global warming, primarily due to the production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). OPC production is responsible for approximately of global anthropogenic emissions, stemming from two major sources: the combustion of fossil fuels to reach the required clinkering temperature, and the calcination process where limestone decomposes to release vast quantities of process-related emissions. This high-energy, carbon-intensive process not only drives climate change but also introduces a significant environmental heat load into the industrial ecosystem. Consequently, the urgent development of sustainable, low-carbon cement alternatives is non-negotiable for achieving net-zero emissions goals. Geopolymer (GP) technology has emerged as the most promising green alternative to OPC. Geopolymers are inorganic alumino-silicate polymers synthesized from industrial waste streams—such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash—using alkaline activation. By eliminating the high-temperature calcination phase, GPs significantly reduce the embodied emissions by up to compared to OPC. Furthermore, their resulting dense micro-structure endows them with superior properties, including excellent chemical resistance and remarkable thermal stability against fire. Despite their environmental benefits, a major obstacle hindering the widespread industrial adoption of geopolymer concrete is the traditional requirement for thermal curing (typically to). This residual heat requirement increases production costs, consumes energy, and complicates large-scale, on-site applications, particularly in cold climates. Moreover, while GPs are low-carbon, they are not inherently carbon-negative. This study introduces a novel approach inspired by Geo-Mimicry—accelerating natural geological cementation processes to function at industrial speeds. We propose a synergistic solution to address this triple challenge of heat, carbon, and cold-climate suitability. The primary objective of this research is to develop, characterize, and validate a high-performance geopolymer formulation that meets stringent durability criteria for cold regions while achieving maximum sustainability. Specifically, this work makes the following contributions: Zero-Heat Curing: Successful formulation of a geopolymer that achieves structural strength at ambient temperatures, eliminating all external thermal energy costs and consumption. Carbon-Negative Status: Implementation of an accelerated Ambient Curing regime to actively sequester into the GGBFS-containing structure, aiming to confirm a net uptake of material, thereby enhancing cleaner air quality. Performance for Cold Climates: Demonstrating superior durability through Freeze-Thaw cycles (ASTM C۶۶۶), ensuring the material is a high-quality, long-lasting solution for infrastructure in regions like Finland.